Despite the fact that you may believe you know how to jump start a car, are you really skilled at it?
Prior to beginning, you will need a few things. You’ll need a set of jumper cables to start. You’ll also require a willing helper among your fellow drivers. Then follow the step-by-step guide.
Keep reading.
How to Jump Start a Car?
Here is the stpe-by-step guide:
Locate Batteries in Each Car
If you’re unsure, check the owner’s manual. They’ll likely be under the bonnet, but they could also be in the boot or somewhere else. Before using a battery, inspect it for damage, corrosion, or fluid leaks. If you find any, call for roadside assistance rather than taking a chance on an acid burn or electric shock.
Position Cars
Park the vehicles so that both batteries can be reached by the jumper leads. Despite the fact that they must be close to each other, avoid touching each other to prevent serious electrical damage. Apply the handbrakes, put them in park (or neutral if it’s a manual), and turn them off.
Attach Jumper Leads
Use only jumper cables with built-in surge protection, which are made to guard against damaging power spikes that could damage the modern car’s delicate electronic systems. This process is simple and safe so long as each step is followed to the letter:
- a) Clamp the red positive jumper lead’s open end to the dead battery’s positive terminal (look for the “+” symbol”).
- b) Clamp the red positive lead’s other end to the good battery’s positive terminal.
- c) Attach the black negative jumper lead’s one end to the good battery’s negative terminal (look for the ‘-‘ symbol).
- d) The other end of the black negative lead should be clamped to some clean, unpainted metal on the engine block of the dead vehicle, far from the battery. Attaching it to the negative terminal could cause an explosion or sparks to fly.
The black and red clamp ends must never touch during any step because doing so will cause sparking. Additionally, check that none of the leads could possibly tangle with any of the moving engine components.
Revive/Start Dead Car
Start the good car, let it idle for a while, and then start the dead car to recharge its battery. It ought to start if the source of your issue was a battery problem. Delay turning it off.
Remove Jumper Leads
It must be done exactly the opposite of how you attached them. Therefore, the black negative cable’s first end was connected to the metal under the bonnet of the dead car, and its second end was connected to the negative terminal of the good battery. The red positive cable from the good battery’s positive terminal was placed first, followed by the other end of that cable from the dead battery’s positive terminal.
Drive Revived Car
Take it for a solid 20 to 30-minute drive to give that previously flat battery time to recharge so it won’t fail to start the engine the next time you need it.
Using Jump Leads Safely
Battery production of flammable gases should be considered prior to attempt to jump start a vehicle. Here’s how to stay safe:
Check the Battery and Jump Leads
- Never attempt to jump start a battery that appears to be damaged or is dripping fluid.
- Avoid using damaged jump leads.
- If the jump leads start to get warm, stop using them.
Make Sure the Environment is Safe
- Remove any dangling clothing, such as a scarf or tie, before you start the engine because it might get caught in the moving parts.
- The car batteries shouldn’t be touched by any metal objects as this could spark an explosion. This includes jewelry such as rings, necklaces, watch straps, hand tools, clips, and stray wires.
- Avoid getting close to either battery if you smoke or have open flames.
Take Care Removing the Jump Leads
- When the car engines are running, avoid removing the jump leads. The electronics in the cars could suffer significant harm as a result.
If Your Car Won’t Jump Start
What if you can’t jumpstart your car? Troubleshooting is now necessary!
- Do you hear any clicking sounds? Your starter might be malfunctioning.
- Does your electrical system still turn on? A fuse, battery, starter, or the ignition switch may all be at fault.
- Did your car die right away after a successful jump? Retry, and this time make sure to let your car run for a longer time after the jump. This promotes a more thorough battery recharge.
How Often Should You Change a Car Battery?
Batteries typically last between five and seven years, but you should only replace a car battery when it begins to degrade.
Check the battery if it is older than five years and appears to be having trouble starting the car. It’s better to be safe than sorry because it will be worse if the emergency occurs on the side of the road or in the cold early in the morning when you are already running late for work.
If you have our breakdown insurance, we’ll send someone out to test your battery and determine whether you just need a new one or if it needs to be charged.
FAQs
Which Jumper Cable Goes on First?
Attach the red jumper cables first. One red cable should be clamped to the positive side of the battery that won’t start to begin with. the positive side of the operational battery, using the other red clamp, next. The next step is to secure one black cable to the negative side of the operational battery.
What Happens If You Connect Jumper Cables Wrong?
Fuses (and/or fusible links) act as circuit protection devices between the battery and the vehicle’s electrical system. Connecting the jumper cables backwards will often result in one or more blown fuses. The affected circuit will not function correctly until the blown fuse is replaced.
Why Don’t You Connect the Negative When Jumping a Car?
The negative (–) terminal on your dead battery should never have the black cable connected. This is very dangerous, could result in a possible explosion. When jumpstarting your vehicle, be sure to adhere to the instructions in the owner’s manual.
Why Can’t I Jump-start a Dead Battery?
If the terminal connections are corroded or loose, electrical flow to the rest of the car will be restricted, so your car won’t start even with a jump. Your car should have full electrical power again after removing the cable ends, cleaning the corrosion with a wire brush, and tightening the bolts.
Summary: How to Jump Start a Car?
Thus, how do you jump start a car? It’s easy.
Prior to beginning, you will need a few things. You’ll need a set of jumper cables to start. You’ll also require a willing helper among your fellow drivers. Then follow the step-by-step guide.
Please leave a comment if you have any queries. KV Auto will give you the full view of cars. I appreciate you reading.
